Eisenkot calls on Netanyahu to retire and warns him not to use Israel’s security for political survival

Israeli opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot called on Benjamin Netanyahu to leave political life early Wednesday, saying voters had rejected the continuation of his premiership and warning him against using national security to preserve his position.

“The Israeli public voted against the continuation of Netanyahu’s tenure as prime minister of Israel,” Eisenkot told supporters at Yashar’s election headquarters in Tel Aviv. “Netanyahu finds himself tonight facing a larger and stronger mainstream Zionist majority.”

Exit polls gave the anti-Netanyahu bloc a narrow advantage but left both camps short of the 61 seats needed for a Knesset majority. Turnout reached 77.7%, the highest in more than two decades. (Reuters)

“A worthy leader would accept the people’s vote of no confidence and announce his retirement from political life today,” Eisenkot said. He argued that another election after such high turnout would be a mistake and said it was his responsibility to translate the vote into a new government. (ynetglobal)

Eisenkot then addressed Israel’s defense and public-service leadership directly, describing Netanyahu as a transitional prime minister “without a mandate and without trust” and urging officials to remain loyal to the state and its citizens.

“Stand strong and steadfast against any attempt to challenge you,” he said. “You have my clear backing.”

He ended with a direct warning to Netanyahu: “Do not dare use Israel’s security for your political needs.” (ynetglobal)

Official results are still being counted, and coalition negotiations will determine whether Eisenkot can convert the opposition’s projected edge into a governing majority. (AP News)